Pre-College: Oceanography
Pre-College: Oceanography
Investigate how physics, chemistry, biology, and geology shape the ocean during three weeks of academically rigorous, college-level coursework in Woods Hole, taught by PhD-level scientists. Designed for rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates interested in pursuing oceanography, environmental science, or related disciplines at the undergraduate level, this program combines field sampling and lab analysis on Cape Cod with visits to world-renowned oceanographic institutions where you’ll meet researchers studying ocean-climate interactions and global circulation patterns.
Academic programming runs weekdays until 4:00 p.m. from SEA’s Madden Center with extensive field work and institution visits, followed by afternoons and evenings in supervised cottages with up to 12 peers. Complete your own research project, then present findings to peers, faculty, and Woods Hole’s science community. Students share meals in SEA’s dining room and participate in evening activities—study hours, movie nights, community building, beach trips, and bike rides along Falmouth’s Shining Sea Bike Path.
Program Cost: $6,975
Research Themes
Learning Objectives
Study Ocean Processes Across Disciplines
Examine ocean circulation, biogeochemical cycles, and the physical forces driving global patterns through 40+ hours of lectures, lab work, and field sampling. Investigate how the ocean and atmosphere exchange heat and gases, study seafloor structure and coastal processes, and analyze nutrient cycles and marine food webs.
Design and Conduct Original Research
Work in small groups to investigate a topic of your choosing—past projects include freshwater input effects on Waquoit Bay salinity, tidal fluctuation and dissolved oxygen in salt marshes, and microplastic concentrations in the Gulf of Maine. Develop hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and present findings to peers, faculty, and Woods Hole’s science community.
Access Woods Hole's Research Community
Tour facilities at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Woodwell Climate Research Center. Meet scientists, engineers, and marine technicians studying climate change, ocean chemistry, and marine systems. Learn about career paths in oceanography and related fields.
Apply
Cost & payment
Program Cost: $6,975
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students will be required to complete the following in order to be considered by the application deadline:
- Biographical form
- High school transcript
- One academic reference
- Short answer essay questions
- Interview (not applicable for Ocean Studies on Cape Cod applicants)